How to get started

Have you ever wanted to start a podcast? It isn't quite as complicated as you may think. There is some equipment and software products you will need to get started though. I have listed below different products that you will need to get started. I provided affiliate links for those products so if you decide to use the link provided some of the proceeds will come back to Business with Bordeaux. Now lets get started.

Mission

One of the most important steps when starting a podcast is knowing your purpose and target audience. When you know who you are making the podcast for, you can know what kind of topics to talk about, what kind of guest to interview, and where to promote your podcast. Creating your mission statement is one of the most important steps in getting started.

Naming Your Podcast

Creating a name for your podcast can be exciting. It is also very extensive process. There are a few different things you should do while trying to find a name for your podcast.

Search iTunes for other podcasts with the name you consider. I say iTunes because this is the most popular podcast player and most podcast start on this platform. You can't have the same identical name as another podcast or they will deny you the ability to post it.

Search for available domain names social media domains. It is much easier for a search to have a domain name and social media handles that matches your podcast or as close as possible. When you are able to use the same name for every area of online searches it will make it easier for people to keep up with everything you are doing.

Make sure your name is easy to remember and easy to spell. If you try to use unique spelling for your podcast name it may be difficult to find when you are getting started out. For example, if your podcast name is going to be "The New Podcast" don't use spelling like "Thi Neu Pxdca$t." That would be nearly impossible for anyone to remember even if you instruct them to use special characters. Speaking of which, never use special signs that are not on a universal keyboard.

Create a test group to share whatever names that you come up with. It can help to have an elimination process and have the names face-off to see which name makes it to the top of the list.

Recording Software

For anyone who has a Mac, you already have this taken care of. Mac products come with Garageband, which is perfectly fine for recording podcasts. There are several different software programs you can purchase to record and edit your show. Some of the most common are:

Pro Tools- paid ($100-$600)

FL Studio- paid ($99-$899)

Logic for Mac- paid (starting at $199)

Garageband- free with Mac

Audacity- free for all platforms

Recording Hardware

Having the proper recording equipment is really important to have. There are so many different kind of products so I'm going to share the basic items and the ones I or Trackstarz has had experience with. Here is the list of items that you need to start with along with the links provided below.

Computer

Microphone / XLR cord or USB cord depending on Microphone used

Mixer (recommended)

Pop Filter

Microphone Stand

Headphones

A Quick Start for You

For you who may want to get started quickly, you should check out an app called Anchor. This is a free app which allows you to record a podcast using your phone or smart device. You can create a podcast, interview someone, and have it all submitted to all the major podcast platforms absolutely free. This can be helpful because it will get you used to hearing your voice, it requires minimum hardware and software, and it will help you figure out if you have the content ready for a more professional podcasting venture.

I will be adding more information soon. Let me know how I can help you get started.

Microphones

Level 1

This Level 1 mic is for those who are just getting started. This can be plugged straight into your computer and will allow for you to run your vocals into your recording software. Beware this will get the job done but once you should upgrade to the level 2 as soon as you are able for a more professional sound.

Level 2

The Level 2 mic will give a crisp clean sound. It actually makes your voice sound a little more powerful. This is the mic I currently use for my Business with Bordeaux Podcast and Solomon's Porch Podcast. You will need an XLR male to female cable in order to plug this mic into a recording interface. Links for those items needed will be provided below.

Level 3

This Level 3 mic is what you hear on the Trackstarz podcast. This is top notch and is the same kind of mic the professionals use. This is for those who have gained a little experience and want to move to the top of their recording game.

Recording Software

Recording Interface

This interface is for individual use better for a single podcaster.

This is a step up if you are in need of additional audio channels for having an in studio guest on the show.

This is the mixer that I currently use. I have had plenty of success recording multiple microphones with this mixer.